Jakarta, Aug. 30 -- Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has urged regional leaders to use their authority responsibly and in the public interest, highlighting their ability to drive innovation through local regulations.

"Regions can introduce innovations and creative breakthroughs. They have the authority to issue regional or mayoral regulations that directly affect people's lives," Tito said.

He noted in a statement on Friday following the 2025 Regional Leaders Awards in Jakarta that reforms since the post-reform era have expanded the role of local governments, giving them more autonomy in policymaking.

Tito said the system of direct elections for governors, mayors, and district heads grants them legitimacy, but warned that such powe...